Patrick
The Country Club Plaza holiday lighting ceremony has long been a cherished Thanksgiving staple in Kansas City.
Yet, many residents remain unaware of a quieter, more intimate ritual that occurs before the official celebration — a 2 a.m. test lighting that brings its own sense of magic.
The Hidden Tradition Behind the Famous Plaza Lights
A Century-Old Seasonal Celebration
For nearly 100 years, Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza has dazzled visitors with thousands of lights that brighten the district each holiday season.
The grand public lighting, held every Thanksgiving, draws large crowds and features televised coverage, live entertainers, performers, and appearances from local stars.
Kansas City Current to Lead This Year’s Ceremony
During Thursday evening’s official ceremony, members of the Kansas City Current — coming off a standout, record-setting season — will flip the symbolic switch. But it won’t be the first illumination of the week.
The Secret 2 A.M. Light Test
A Quiet Preview Available Only to Night Owls
Before the televised event, Plaza workers conduct a test run in the early morning hours, a practice repeated annually. To witness it, you must be willing to stay up late or rise before dawn.
At 2 a.m. Wednesday, a small group of curious locals gathered to see the first lighting of the year — minus the crowds, traffic, and chaos.
A Tradition Discovered by Chance
Downtown resident Joel Kennon stumbled upon this late-night ritual about two decades ago after leaving a Plaza restaurant.
He recalled:
“It was a snowy night. I was just walking, and suddenly at 2 a.m., the whole Plaza lit up. It was incredible.”
Kennon now makes this secret viewing part of his yearly holiday routine, often bringing friends along — like Beth Froeschl, who has attended about five times. For her, the tranquility and perfect viewing spots make the early hour worthwhile.
A Magical Moment for Early Visitors
A Serene and Sparkling Experience
This year, Froeschl returned to her regular spot near the Court of the Penguins Fountains on Nichols Road and Pennsylvania Avenue.
“As soon as the lights switch on, everything sparkles. It feels magical,” she said. “You get a tiny taste of the holidays before they officially arrive.”
A Surprise Engagement Under the First Lights
Nearby, at the corner of Nichols and Central Street, Miranda Speak and Aidan White captured the moment with instant photos. Speak proudly displayed a fresh engagement ring.
Speak grew up attending Plaza lighting ceremonies in Olathe, while White, originally from South Africa, now lives with her in Colorado Springs.
“I knew a proposal was coming eventually — but not tonight,” Speak said.
White chose this special moment because the Plaza lights were an important part of Speak’s childhood. He proposed at 2:01 a.m., right after the test lights came on.
“I grew up around scenes like this,” White said. “It feels festive, almost like Christmas. I love it.”
The Country Club Plaza holiday lighting ceremony remains a treasured Kansas City tradition, but the 2 a.m. test run offers a rare and peaceful alternative to the bustling Thanksgiving event.
For those who make the effort, the quiet glow, open viewing spaces, and spontaneous moments — even surprise proposals — create memories just as meaningful as the official celebration.